Janet Belsky’s
Experiencing the Lifespan, 2e
Chapter 8
Physical Development
Meredyth Fellows, West Chester University of PA
Puberty
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Puberty: all the hormonal and physical
changes that contribute to sexual maturity.
Takes on an average of five years and today
is typically an early teenage change.
 Puberty rite
 Secular Trend
 Menarche and Spermarche
Rites of Passage
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Many cultures have unique ceremonies
to celebrate transitions to adulthood.
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Quinceaneras, Bar-mitzvah, Sweet 16, Vine
jumping, Piercing ceremonies, Clitoris
removal.
Apache Video
African Female Circumcision Video
Puberty Trends
The Secular Trend
 The regular decline in
the age of puberty
(signaled by menarche)
in developing countries.
 In 1830, the average
age of menarche in
Northern Europe was
over 17.
 Today, the age has
fallen to under 13.
Classifying the Physical
Changes

Primary Sexual Characteristics
 Changes directly involved in reproduction
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Secondary Sexual Characteristics
 Physical changes not related to reproduction
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Growth of uterus, maturation of the ovaries, onset
of menarche.
Growth of penis, testes, onset of spermache
Hair growth, voice changes, acne, breast
development
Growth Spurt
 Dramatic increase in weight and height

Opposite of the cephalocaudal sequence
Feelings about Puberty
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Basic Principle: changes are exciting and
frightening; reactions depend on social
norms and reactions of family
Breast Development

Western Cultures = pride
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Exception: girls who attempt to maintain prepubescent appearance (gymnastics, etc.)
Menstruation
Spermarche
Feelings About Puberty

Menstruation
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Attitudes towards menstruation vary—with
the Navajos celebrating this change and
our culture viewing it more negatively.
Although women discuss menstruation with
their daughters, spermarche is rarely
discussed.
Maturing Early: Possible Problems for
Girls (Statistical Tendencies)

May become involved with
older friends
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Risk of pregnancy
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May demonstrate “mature
teenage behaviors”
Popularity among boys
Inability to say “no”
Risk of depression

Self-consciousness
Body Image Issues

Susan Harter’s research

Feelings of competence in 5 domains
relates to overall self-esteem

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Scholastic competence, behavioral conduct,
athletic skills, peer likeability, appearance
For adolescents, contentment with one’s
appearance outweighs any other category
Satisfaction in physical appearance in
both genders 3rd through 8th grades
Other factors related to selfconsciousness
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Teasing from family
and friends
Dating
Media

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Presents unrealistic images
Strong influence in
promoting body
dissatisfaction in both
genders
Eating Disorders

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Anorexia Nervosa
VIDEO on Anorexia

Affects 1 in 1000 teenagers
(majority girls)

85% or less of healthy body
weight

Distorted body image

5% Mortality rate
 Starvation can destroy body
organs and cause death
 Medical emergencies
demand hospitalization
Bulimia Nervosa

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Characteristic behavior of
binging and purging
 In addition to forced
vomiting, purging may
include excess exercise
Major consequences
 Mouth sores, loss of tooth
enamel (gray teeth),
ulcers, esophageal cancer
Prevalence is increasing
THIN VIDEO
Risk Factors
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Strong hereditary component, especially
in girls
Critical, disapproving, micromanaging
mothers
Temperamental tendency to experience
anxiety and depression
Low self-efficacy

Feelings of lack of control over one’s life
Interventions

Help teens to understand:
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Our personality is a strong influence in how
we appear to others.
That feelings about oneself influence selfperceptions
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If teens “feel” beautiful, the outside world may
agree
People are beautiful in every size and
shape.
Teen Suicide
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One of the leading causes of death amongst
teenagers is suicide.
The Centers for Disease control report that it
is the third leading cause of death, behind
accidents and homicide, of people aged 15 to
24.
Even more disturbing is the fact that suicide
is the fourth leading cause of death for
children between the ages of 10 and 14.
Boy Interrupted Video
Sexuality

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Sexual desire is a
result of rising
levels of adrenal
androgens.
An interplay of
nature/nurture
heightens sex
hormone levels
(illustration).
Who IS having intercourse?
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Average age late teens, but 1 in 7 begin
at age 15.
Predictors:
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Biology: early puberty
Intergenerational influences
Social class and ethnic differences
Media practices (intercourse appears as the
norm)
Peer modeling
With whom are teens having
sex?

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3 in 4 teens report first sex often with
steady dating partner.
Research with Ohio teenagers
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3 in 4 teens report a non-romantic sexual
encounter involved someone they know well
Engaging in non-committed sex

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For girls, risk factor of depression
For boys, higher self esteem (one study)
Behind the Numbers?
Sexual Double-Standard

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Cultural code that
gives men greater
sexual freedom than
women
Research shows that
both boys and girls
put their highest
priority on intimacy.
Contemporary Trends
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4 out of every 10 girls get pregnant before
age 20.
Fewer U.S. teenagers are having intercourse
(and use condoms when they do).
Oral Sex
 Not perceived as “real sex”
 Those reporting only oral sex
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Young teenagers
Affluent, upper-middle class